This new Statutory entitlement applies to both men and women who have been an employed earner in the U.K for the same employer for at least 26 weeks at the 15th week before birth or at the date of confirmation of adoption placement.

The general rule is that you must have average earnings of at least the current lower earnings limit, currently £112 weekly.

It is paid for up to Two continuous weeks at £139.58 or 90% of your average earnings if this is lower.

Some employees may be entitled to more than these minimum amounts under the terms of their employment contracts.

As long as you give your employer the required notice (28 days) before the Paternity Pay period starts or as soon as reasonably practicable in writting, confirming the expected week of confinement with proof, or the date of placement if adopting, with the start date and length of time you wish your Statutory Pay period to be.

This Statutory pay period can be either one or two weeks from the date the child is born or placed with you for adoption or at anytime within 8 weeks of birth or adoption.

If you satisfy the qualifying conditions for Statutory Paternity Pay with two employers you can be paid by both.

Only one member of a couple can recieve Statutory Paternity Pay. Therefore it will be possible for one memebr of a couple to get 2 weeks Paternity Pay and for the other member to get 39 weeks Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay if adopting.